At the time of the summit, Azeem was undergoing a research and development internship at Polytech Dijon, Université Bourgogne Europe, Le Creusot Campus, France, a recognised centre for engineering and industrial innovation.
His work focused on developing artificial intelligence-enabled applications using a collaborative robotic system, including building an open-source, Python-based interface and computer vision tools for industrial manipulation tasks.
While his internship centred on technical innovation, the summit provided a broader perspective on the role of engineering in addressing societal challenges.
“It was a truly humbling experience to be surrounded by so many global changemakers. As a Malaysian student, I saw how our diverse perspectives can come together with a shared purpose to contribute to a more peaceful world,” he said.
Over four days, Azeem participated in discussions on diplomacy, conflict resolution, climate action, humanitarian response, and human rights. He also attended expert-led sessions, including “Peace in the Age of Displacement,” as well as discussions on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through youth-led initiatives.
Azeem’s achievement reflects UTP’s commitment to developing graduates who are not only technically competent but also globally aware and socially responsible. The university emphasises interdisciplinary learning and industry collaboration to equip students with the skills to address complex, real-world challenges.
Reflecting on his journey, Azeem acknowledged the support of his former lecturer, Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Naufal Mohamad Saad; and his supervisors in Le Creusot, Professor David Fofi, Raphael Duverne, and Fabio Riberio, whose guidance was instrumental throughout his internship. He also expressed his appreciation to his sponsor, Yayasan UTP; his internship colleague, Muhammad Uwais Hadri Mohd Sofian; as well as his family for their continued support.
